Posts Tagged ‘Construction’

AAA appreciates the president highlighting the importance of transportation infrastructure in his State of the Union address, but we had hoped he would take the opportunity to lay out a specific strategy to achieve his campaign promise of a largescale investment – $1 trillion total over 10 years – into our nation’s infrastructure. Roadways and bridges across the country need to be rebuilt and rehabbed. Without significant investment, the situation will only worsen. We need to seriously address the state of transportation infrastructure in our country now because the safety and mobility of our citizens and the future of our economy depends on it.

Infrastructure is not a Democratic or Republican issue. However, the dilemma over how to pay for it has remained unsolved for decades. State officials have testified about the real needs on the ground and the shortfall of funds. A thoughtful and modest increase in the federal gas tax, even just to match inflation, would provide an immediate stimulus to the Highway Trust Fund and help rebuild transportation in America, while giving our government more time to address long-term funding solutions to meet future transportation needs.

In order to adequately tackle the biggest problems facing our infrastructure, it is going to take cooperation and courage from many on both sides of the aisle. Now, it is time for our members of Congress to come together and show leadership by addressing the funding shortfall and providing a sustainable system for infrastructure maintenance and improvements. AAA will continue to support increased investment that will improve and modernize our nation’s infrastructure, and it is our hope that Congress and the president will eventually come together around that common goal.

WASHINGTON, D.C, (March 30, 2015) – AAA’s CEO Bob Darbelnet has issued the following statement in response to the Department of Transportation’s introduction of the GROW America Act today, a bill to fund transportation and infrastructure improvements over six years.

“As states begin springtime road construction projects, AAA is pleased that Secretary Foxx and President Obama have put forward a blueprint for improving the nation’s roads and bridges. This transportation and infrastructure proposal promises to keep America globally competitive in a rapidly changing world.

“The goals of the GROW AMERICA Act are commendable. For example, additional funding for NHTSA and its vehicle recall program should enhance driver safety. Improving performance incentives to maintain the quality of the nation’s roads and bridges should also help to restore driver confidence that highways are managed wisely and efficiently.

“Despite these improvements, we are disappointed the bill fails to identify a long-term and viable funding source to address the Highway Trust Fund shortfall. Repatriation of corporate overseas profits might provide an infusion of money for construction and repairs, but it’s a temporary solution that does not solve our funding crisis.

“AAA continues to believe that increasing the federal gas tax is the most effective and sustainable way to pay for roads and bridges in the near term, provided the additional funds are invested in improvements that ease congestion and increase safety.”

(WASHINGTON, December 13, 2013) Statement by Kathleen Bower, AAA vice president of public affairs

“AAA thanks David Strickland for his dedication to improving road safety as head of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. His passion, approachability and intellect have helped propel serious issues, such as distracted driving, into the national consciousness and made driving safer for everyone. He fully embraced his role and served as an example to everyone at NHTSA in numerous ways, including by taking the time to become certified as a child passenger safety technician. His leadership on topics like research and testing into autonomous vehicles will continue to impact drivers for years to come. AAA looks forward to continuing our positive relationship with NHTSA and David Friedman as he takes over as acting administrator.”

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This is the official newsroom of AAA, a not-for-profit organization that provides its members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive services and information. Since its founding in 1902, AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers.